TUESDAY APRIL 2, 2024
TUESDAY OF THE OCTAVE OF EASTER B
Acts 2:36-41
John 20:11-18
RECOGNIZING THE PRESENCE OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS IN OUR LIVES
There is a seemingly endless sorrows, anxieties and worries that is associated with living outside grace, whereby we seem not to identify with the presence of God and Christ in our lives. That was the lot of Mary Magdalene in today’s gospel.
The gospel sees Mary Magdalene very sad and distressed because the Lord Jesus presence was not recognized, felt and seen. She was in the “tomb” the place of the death or in the grave. Her countenance was sadness, gloom and anxiety. There was no joy. She was complaining, and still searching and was not able to recognize the presence of Jesus.
She could only see a gardener because of the inhibitions of her tears, her heart inclination and sorrows in her heart even with Christ before her. She was preoccupied with herself and sorrows and distressed which deprived her of the knowledge of Christ before her.
But look again and see how Jesus calls her back to look intensely on him by calling her personally and inviting her to recognize his presence. He calls her by her name. He seeks her too. So even in our debased and confused nature, Jesus seeks and wants our union with him. By calling her by her personal name, he invites her to look beyond herself, beyond her sorrows and anxieties, to look and see that he, the Saviour is always present and is with her. He is not a gardener but the Lord she seeks.
And getting to know actually that Jesus is there present, and recognizing him deeply, Mary was given back her joy, peace of mind and she began to rejoice and identified the Lord by that personal name.
And that allowed her the opportunity to be instructed to proceed to the disciples and give them the message that he is risen. Knowledge empowers us to witnessing. Clarity of vision, thought, knowledge enhances our witnessing to the resurrection. And it is more the mandate of the Lord.
We also see in the first reading that gradual knowledge of the Lord enhances our relationship with the Lord. As Peter explained the scriptures and brings the people into greater knowledge of the resurrection event, so their commitment was even greater and they were cut and demanded what they should do. And Peter instructed them to repent, believe and be baptized.
We are on a journey of gradual growth, appreciation and knowledge of the Lord. And that helps to enhance our joy, witnessing and growth in grace. But we must allow ourselves the various means of acquiring this knowledge, by going closer to Jesus in our prayer life of searching for him, in the solitude of our souls, in liturgical celebration, in humble appreciation of our weaknesses, and making ourselves available to him and in total devotion to his work of evangelization.
Only by being close to him shall we engage in recognizing him more deeply and consequently witnessing to him.
God our Father, grant that we may grow in our knowledge of you. May we engage in sincere search, with greater commitment and dedication in our aspirations to know you, love you and be of service to you. Bless us today with the gift you endowed Mary Magdalene of recognizing your presence in her life and being true witness of your good deeds through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
